PowerBook 15-Inch FW800 2003

The PowerBook G4/1.25 15" (FW800) featured a 1.25 GHz PowerPC 7447 (G4) processor with the AltiVec "Velocity Engine" and 512k on-chip level 2 cache. It came with 512 MB of PC2700 DDR SDRAM, an 80 GB Ultra ATA/100 hard drive (4200 RPM), and a slot-loading 2X "SuperDrive." Its connectivity suite included Firewire "400" and "800" ports, along with built-in Bluetooth 1.1 and AirPort Extreme (802.11g). Graphics were handled by the ATI Mobility Radeon 9600 (4X AGP) with 64 MB of DDR SDRAM, all displayed on a 15" widescreen TFT (1280x854). Custom configurations were also available. This model was part of the "Firewire 800" series, which brought enhancements like AirPort Extreme, Bluetooth 1.1, USB 2.0, Firewire "800", and a faster logic board to the 15" line. A key distinction from the similar PowerBook G4/1.0 15" (FW800) was the inclusion of the fiber optic ambient light sensor for automatic brightness adjustments. Furthermore, this model offered a faster processor, double the standard RAM, a larger hard drive, a more advanced optical drive, and pre-installed AirPort Extreme.

This model was recognized as a significant step up from its 1.0 GHz counterpart, with the faster 1.25 GHz processor and double the RAM making a tangible difference in multitasking and application performance. [12] The inclusion of the backlit keyboard with an ambient light sensor, which was absent in the lower-spec version, was a much-welcomed luxury that users praised for its convenience. The combination of a SuperDrive, ample RAM, and modern I/O ports like FireWire 800 and USB 2.0 solidified its position as a powerful, professional-grade tool. [12] While the 4200 RPM hard drive remained a bottleneck for some, the overall package was seen as a well-balanced and highly desirable machine for serious users.